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CENTEniAL CELEBRATION 



DAMARISCOTTA AND NEWCASTLE, 



JULY 4th, 1876, 



TOGETHER WITH THE 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS 



DELIVERED BV 



GEN. JAMES A. HALL. 




MILLER & ATWOOD, PRINTERS 

1876. 



.J(ttx^ f^^<r5^A^y^ro^ 



The ger-lorious Centennial Fourth has 
come and gone, with its sunshine and rain, 
snap-crackers and tin-horns, over-eating and 
under-sleeping, and, withal, its general odor 
of gun-powder and American patriotism. 
After a sweet sleep of — well, a number — 
Damariscotta and Newcastle aroused them, 
selves on tliis of all years, to the duty of the 
day, and the bustle of yesterday was the 
result. 

The heavy shower of Monday effectually 
settled the dust and up to between 3 or 4 
o'clock in the afternoon, when it coinmenc- 1 
ed showering at brief intervals, the -ith was 
all that could be desired. The sun rose 
clear and brilliant in an almost cloudless sky 
and a cool refreshing breeze prevailed. A 
salute of thirteen guns accompanied by the 
ringing of the church bells ushered in the 
day. 

The Antiques and Horrible parading be- 
fore half past six many lost sight of one of 
the most laughable features of the day. 
The American, Irish, Chinese aud Negro 
were represented in liabiliments of extra- 
ordinary design. A bass and snare drums 
and fife accompanied. 

At 8'oclock tiie fresh breeze had created 
a heavy "chop" on the river, considerably 
abating the excitement that would have 
centered in the regatta. But every avail- 
able nook and corner was occupied — the 
wharves and vessels, and Main street, from 
the Newcastle post office to Genthner's block, 
was black with spectators. 

Boats lined at Cottrill's wharf. The 
course was 1 1-2 mile. E. H. Winslow and 
K. C. Woodward entered for single scull 
race. The signal was given, the start made, 
but it was evident from the first that the 
shells would get the worst of it. Both 
rounded the turning stake. Winslow'sboat 
was half filled with water, and midway on 
the return he was taken off, his craft just 
on the point of sinking. Wood'vard made 



the course, and was saluted by the band and 
cheered by the crowd as he came in. 

There were two entries in the four oared 
race. One of these backed out and an im- 
promptu crew was made up and went into 
the race without practice. Both made a 
good start but it was apparent the practiced 
men were coming in ahead, as they did. 
Time 12 minutes 37 seconds. Tlie crew 
were composed of: Geo. Marshall, stroke; 
J. L. Thompson, second; Fred Tliompson, 
third; Will Waters, bow; F. H. Converse, 
coxwain. The name of the winning boat 
was "Boxer." They were hailed by the 
band and tlie spectators as they passed the 
line. 

Three entries were made for the tub race : 
Wm. A. Stetson, M. W. Wyman, A. F. 
Stetson. The course was from end of 
Cottrill's wharf to shore at the fish market. 
Wyman came in first but the two Stetson 
boys made the fun. A. F. pitched violently 
and when about half way to the shore his 
tub overturned, and he went under amid 
shouts of laughter. He was almost imme- 
diately followed by W. A. and another 
laugh went up. The crowd enjoyed tliis 
immensely. 

Tiie Cornet Band and the Triumph 
Engine Company of Waldoboro, arrived at 
10.22 and vs'ere met at the depot by the 
Damariscotta Band, the Taniscot and 
Massasoit Engine Co's, and escorted to 
f-incoln-Block.~-ri>e"proce*sionT«\vhich j\'as ' 
to^lfSve moved at ten, was delayed unti) 
eleven o'clock, when line was formed in 
*ront of Lincoln and Maine Hotel Blocks 
and moved as follows : 

Marshall and Aids. 

Damariscotta Brass Band. 

Massasoit Engine Company, of Damariscotta 

Taniscot IDngine Company, of Newcastle. 

Waldoboro Cornet Band. 

Triumph Engine Company, of Waldoboro. 

Municipal Authorities, Citizens. 

The procession proceeded up Main to 
Church street, up Church to Ehii. down 



[4 ] 



1,' 'Main to 



t> ♦'Elm to Main,' 'Main to ^-Glidden,' Glidden to 
Back, Back to Main to*Lincoln Hall. 

The decorations along the line of the 
route were quite profuse. Band Hall, some 
of the places of business and residences very 
generally, displayed the red, white and 
blue. Large flags were flying from the 
Massasoit and Taniscot Go's, houses, 
Lincoln Block, stretched from Metcalf s to 
Maine Hotel Blocks and from every vessel 
in the river. 

A salute of 37 guns was fired at noon ; 
the church bells were rung from 12 to 1 
o'clock. 

The music during the day was excellent, 
both Bands did themselves credit, and 
were frequently commended for their fine 
appearance. 

Exercises in Lincoln Hall were delayed 
and the meeting was not called to order 
until 2.10 P. M. But as early as 1 o'clock 
the hall was crowded with people who had 
gathered to hear the exercises. 

The meeting was called to ordf^r by Wm. 
H. Hilton Esq., who named Hon. E. W. 
Farley for President. Mr. Farlej' then as- 
cended the platform, and after a few well 
chosen remarks full of patriotism and 
abounding in high admiration for the insti- 
tutions of this country, the exercises contin- 
ued as follows : 

1. Overture by the Damariscotta Brass 
Band ; 2. Prayer by Rev. H. Crocker ; 3. 
Reading of the Declaration of Independence 
by Mr. E. E. Dunbar; Gen. James A. Hall 
then gave a brief Historic Sketch of New- 
castle and Damariscotta which, owing to the 
lateness of the hour, he did not finish. (Si^ 
^itdiiliiiiijij'il" i^lVtJii'ni pilrt m this^nutTl ^r.) 
The exercises closed with the hymn, 
"America," by the Band and audience. 
After vociferous cheering for Gen. Washing" 
ton, the ladies, the Band, and a vote of 
thanks to Gen. Hall, the meeting adjourned, 
as Mr. Farley humorously added, "to meet 
in one hundred years to celebrate the two 
hundredth anniversary of the United 
States." 

At 3 P. M., in the rear of Maine Hotel, 
the greased pole and pig drew_ the crowd. 



The treacherous pole could not be scaled, 
although many attempts were made which 
kept the lookers-on in a continual up-roar. 
Piggy had the appearance of having be en 
"tried out." He was pursued up Elm street 
by an army of eager contestants, and captur- 
ed by Frank Jepson. 

The trial of ^fire engines was interfered 
with by a shower of about an hours duration. 
Between 5 and 6 o'clock the sun again burst 
forth. The Triumphs of Waldoboro, the 
Massasoits of Damariscotta, Taniscots of 
Newcastle contested. The result was : 
Triumphs threw 178 ft. 10 in., Massasoits 
178 ft. 8 in. The Taniscots broke their 
machine before they got underway. The 
prize, a silver trumpet, was consequently 
carried off" by the Triumphs. 

The presentation of the Drama "Bread^on 
the Waters," and an Instrumental Concert 
by the Damariscotta Band closed the 
exercises of the day. 

The play passed off very well, as the fre- 
quent appliiuse from the audience indicated, 
but whatever "catches" occurred in the per- 
formance of it must be attributed to' the 
fatigue of the participants, who at this hour 
of the day must have felt wearied beyond 
description. 

The selections by the Band were rendered 
in the usual spirited and brilliant style of 
this popular organization. 

The order throughout the whole day was 
remarkable. There were no disturbances 
to mar the proceedings. We noticed but 
one case of drunkenness, and from the 
locality whence the fellow came it is presum- 
able he brought his "cheer" with him. The 
day will long be remembered by those 
present as a day of pleasure and as an ap- 
propriate celebration of the one hundredth 
anniversary of our national existence. 

PRAYEft BY REV. MR. CROCKER. 

Almighty God, thou King eternal, immor- 
tal, invisible, the only wise God, with sin- 
cere adoration, devout gratitude and humble 
petition we look unto thee to-day. In the 
midst of our rejoicing we wonld not forget 
Thee, the author of every good. We adore 



5 i 



Thee as our great ruler, the God of nations, 
our rigliteous Lord. With rejoicing we re- 
view the past of our history to-day, and to 
Thee we ascj-ibe all the glory. We own thy 
guiding, guarding hand in all the past. Thou 
art tlie God of our fathers. They looked un- 
to Thee for a sanctuary where they might 
worship Thee without fear, and Thou gavest 
them here a home. Thou preparedst them 
a place in the wilderness. When they were 
few and without strength Tliou wert a 
shield unto them. When they cried unto 
Thee, Thou didst hear them. When dan- 
ger's thickened and the hand of oppression 
was heavy upon them, then Thou didst de- 
liver them. Then didst gird them with 
strengtii. Thou didst lead them forth to bat- 
tle and <;avest theni the victory. They got 
not tlie land in possession by their own sword, 
neither did their own arm save them; but 
Thy right hand, and Tnine arm, and the 
light of Thy contenance, because Thou hadst 
a favor unto them. Thou hast not dealt so 
with any nation, and as for Thy judgment, 
Ave have not known them. We thank Thee 
for Thy great goodness. 

Not for our worthiness, hast Thou done 
all this, but for Thy mercies sake. Sins and 
iniquities have been found among us, but 
Thou hast been long suffering and chastened 
us only in love. Forgive us we beseech 
Thee O God for all our past sins, and cleanse 
us from the evils that now stain us. 

Acknowledging Thy mercy in the past we 
now bring our loved land unto Thee, and 
(ledicate it to Thee anew. We crave the 
continuance ol Tliy blessing. Be Thou to 
us and to our children as Thou hast been to 
our Fathers and to us hitherto. Still may 
Thy banner over us be love. Guard Thou 
our liberties. Preserve our constitution. 
Rule Thou in the councils of the nation. 
Bless those now in authority, and those who 
shall succeed them. Prosper and multiply 
our institutions of learning. Smile upon 
Thy churclies and pour out Thy spirit upon 
them. Here may Thy truth prevail and the 
fruits of righteousness abound. So shall 
we be kept from evil. So shall the future 
be more glorious than the past, and genera- 



tions yet to come shall praise and iiiagnify 
Thy holy name. 

And now uhto Thee, Thou blessed and 
only portentate. The King of kings and 
Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, 
dwelling in the light which no man can ap- 
proach unto ; whom no man hath seen nor 
can see ; to Thee be honor and power over- 
asting. Amen. 

HIST<iRICAI. ADDRESS IJV CKN. .T. A. HALI,. 

Fellow Citizens — The territory now consti- 
tuting the town of Newcastle, was originally 
contained in the early Sheepscot precinct, 
while that of Damariscotta was a part of 
Pemaquid, botii of which precincts were oc- 
cupied about the same time by the early 
white settlers. There is no longer any ques- 
tion but that, as early as 1560, voyagers 
visited the outlying islands, Monhegan and 
Uamariscove, and from that time down 
through succeeding periods, these voyages 
were repeated, attracted by the excellent 
fishing there found, until early in the 17th 
century, 1C02 to 1620, occasional settlement 
were made upon the main land, at Pomaquid 
and all the prominent points westward, to 
the Kennebec river. First gaining a foot- 
hold upon the islands where greater safety 
was experienced , then gradually venturing 
upon the main; so the setilement began. 

Newcastle has a history extending back 
more than two hundred and twenty-five 
years, and to tell it in the short space of time 
we have to-day, is simply an impossibillity. 
The most I can do, is to hint at its record, 
and that in a brief abstract form. 

That the soil of that town was among the 
first ever occupied by white men upon our 
shores there can be but little doubt. The 
first settlers of whom we have any account 
were John Taylor whose possessions em- 
braced the oyster shell heaps on the west 
side of the river, and Walter Phillips, whose 
liouse was on the road just south of where 
Mr. John McMichael now lives. Taylor's 
liouse was in the Hopkins field, near the 
present residence of Mr. John Page (others 
sav Tavlor's house was near tlie Samuel 



[ 6 



(jrlidden house, and Phillips' near wliere the 
old Newcastle house now stands). 

There is a question as to the exact time 
of their settlement, but it probably was be- 
tween 1630 and 1640. In 1623 Levitt visit- 
ed the Sheepscot waters, and the land in the 
west part of the town, but his voyage seems 
to have left no trace in way of settlement. 

Sewall says "Ancient Dominions of 
Maine" [1634] "From the settlement at 
Pemaquid, thrift}'^ off-shoots had started 
along the Damariscotta." The settlement 
at Sheepscot undoubtedly commenced about 
the same time with that on our river and 
continued to increase, although I am unable 
to give details. 

In 1665, a commission consisting of Col. 
Richard Nichols, Carr, Cartwright and Mav- 
erick, assembled at the house of John Ma- 
son, on the east bankof tlie Sheepscott, and 
under the jurisdiction of the Duke of York, 
organized a county to which they gave the 
name of Cornwall, while the Sheepscott set- 
tlement was made the shire-town, under the 
name of New Dartmouth ; thus establishing 
a dukedom upon what is now the soil of 
Newcastle. 

As I have said, I am not able to relate 
the various (Changes from the commence- 
ment of the white settlement, to the organi- 
zation of the county of Cornwall, but all ac- 
counts agree tliat in 1675 the village upon 
the Sheepscot was a very considerable com- 
munity, while the highway from that point 
eastward, was jiopulated with thrifty far- 
mers. 

During the Indian outrages of 1676, all 
this was swept away, the inhabitants fleeing 
from their homes, leaving everything, houses 
lands, ripening corn and grain, taking their 
lives in their hands and fleeing westward. 
In 1682 the return tide of population had be- 
gan to flow, and the desolate fields of New 
Dartmouth, were in part re-occupied by 
original cultivators, who, by an order from 
government were restored and protected. 

For seven years these people flourished, 
rebuilt tlie village^and extending their fields ; 
but returning hostilliies were in store for 
them, and the bloody massacre of 168i) 



caused them again to flee. Seven j'cars la- 
ter, 161)6, Major Church, in charge of mili- 
tary operations visited this region, and with 
the aid of his efl[icient subordinate officer, 
Converse, taught the red men some whole- 
some lessons, and to a certain extent restor- 
ed peace and quiet, and returning population 
set in. 

Peace could not long continue, however, 
for the savages too well saw their approach. 
ing doom. The building of houses, and 
work-shops, in short, civilization was the 
death knell to their idle, useless occipancy, 
and in their wild natures, they understood 
that relief could only come through the an- 
nihilation of the white race. 

From 1698 to 1717, there were constant 
commotions, and at the latter date it is 
claimed there was not a white family living 
upon the land between the Sheepscot and 
Damariscotta rivers. 

In 1719 population began again to return, 
and the waste places were again occupied. 
Michael Thomas, tenant of ChristoiJlier Tap- 
pan, reoccupied the Walter Phillips' planta- 
tion, and several families settled along the 
river, a Mr. Gray and many others, whose 
names I cannot give. As if they never would 
be peaceful, the Indians again in 1722 
scourged all this region and many were kill- 
ed, among them Mrs. Gray and six children 
were slain, near what is now known as the 
Farley fiirm, and Dr. Kenelum Winslow 
was cajitured, carried to Loud's Island and 
cruelly slain. 

At this time, the Walter Phillips planta- 
tion was again reduced to desolation. In 
1729 under Col. David Dunbar, the region 
was I'estored to peace and population began 
to flow in. In 1730 Vaughn came from Mon- 
hegan to Damariscotta Mills, and began ex- 
tensive milling operations, and a village 
soon sprang up. From this date (1730) to 
t'lie incorporation of the town by its present 
name, the struggle for population was con- 
stant and severe. Newcastle as a town by 
that name, was incorporated in 1753. 

From the records now in the hands of the 
Town Clerk, I find that at a meeting held 
March 18, 1755, James Cargill, moderator, 



7] 



John Mc'Near was chosen clerk, and Kene- 
lum Winslow probably son of the Dr. who^ 
had been killed), Samuel Kennedy and Wil" 
liam McClalland, were chosen selectmen. If 
there had been officers chosen for the pre- 
ceding year, and doubtless there had been, 
the record does not give their names. 

After the termination of tlie French and 
Indian war, and the memorable conquest of 
Quebec by the immortal Wolfe, wliich anni- 
hilated the jiower of France on this continent 
such of the Xew England settlements as had 
gained a foothold advanced in populatior^, 
Newcastle was not sluggisli in the race. The 
Sheepscot side took the lead in population ; 
the farms there, including the Nichols tract, 
some three miles in length, situated in the 
* middle of the town, were well adapted for 
cultivation and sometimes called "the garden 
of the East." Among the Sheepscot popu- 
lation, were families distinguished for pa- 
triotism, industry, and deeply imbued with 
the religious fervor of those days. The 
names of Cargill, Woodbridge, Kennedy, 
Cunningham, Murray, Nickels, Hodge, Wa- 
ters and Chase^ will readily occur to many 
of this audience. Their descendants remain 
to this day, though in some instances the 
f^iniih' name has died out. The Nickelses 
were numerous and the largest land-holders 
in town, but not a single male descendant 
bearing their name now resides in Newcas- 
tle; The name of Cargill, for more than a 
century prominent in town affairs, has dis- 
appeared. Of the four families called Little 
represented by four brothers, James, Hen- 
ry, Samuel and Alexander, residents on the 
east side of the river, each of wliom iiad nu- 
. merous children, not a male descendant 
bearing their name, survives in Newcastle. 

The Cargils, Littles, and probably the 
Kennedys, Cunninghams, and some others, 
were of Scotch-Irish descent, a race which 
generally makes its mark wherever found. 
Conspicuous in this country, among the 
tough, wiry and strong-willed inheritors of 
North of Ireland blood, were Andrew Jack- 
son, eminent in military and civil life, and 
George Clinton, for nearly a score of years 
Governor of tlie great State of New York, 



and afterward.-! Vice President of the United 
States. Col. James Corgill was a good In- 
dian fighter. Hating the Indian race most 
cordially, he did not always discriminate 
between friends and foes, and on an expedi- 
tion to the Penobscot Bay, he shot Margaret 
a friendly squaw, which excited much indig- 
nation. He was arrested and brought before 
the Colonial Governor, at Boston. When 
asked why he had done so great a wrong, he 
shrewdly replied : "Your Honor should 
have marked them!" Wiiile at work alone 
in his saw mill on the mill brook, an Indian 
suddenly appeared, exclaiming, "Now Col- 
onel, I have got you ;" but the latter, quick 
as a flash, gave the red man n back handed 
blow with the bar he held in his hand and 
sent him into the mill race below. Col. Car- 
gill was frequently chosen selectman, mod- 
erator of town meetings, and representative 
to the legislature of Massachusetts, of which 
State, Maine, until 1820, was a portion, and 
called tlie District of Maine. 

As was almost universally the case with 
those of Scotch-Irish descent, Col. Cargill 
was a Presbeterian of the strictest sect, and 
had a dread of innovations upon the creed 
of his order, or tlie mode of conducting its 
church services. So when the bass viol was 
first introduced in tlie singing choir at the 
Newcastle meeting house, he abruptly left 
the meeting. He objected to dancing, and 
when dancing assemblies were first intro- 
duced at tiie INIyrick tavern, the venerable 
old man made his appearance in the ball- 
room to protest against, and call down the 
indignation of heaven upon, such an improp- 
er anmsement as he considered it. 

The young men had tact enough to ap- 
pease his wrath, and the dance wenton. The 
liev. Kiali Bayley felt it to be his duty to 
preach a sermon against this amusement 
and to print it besides ; but it was of no 
avail; the young people of that day. like 
their descendants of this, having taken a 
notion to dance, dance they would, and 
dance they did. Col. Cargill died in the 
early part of this century. During the gi;eat- 
et part of his life he was probably tlie most 
prominent citizen of the town. 



8 



Bpnjainin "Woodbridgo, the anoostor of 
tlie Newcastle and Edgecoiub families uf 
that name, was a native of Ncwbui yport, 
and a graduffte of Harvard College. He 
l)iirchascd largely of real estate on the Slicep- 
scot side and was an important man in town 
affairs. Samuel Nickels of English descent 
or "Squire Sam," as he was familiarly call- 
ed, held the office of town clerk for about 
forty successive years, and was succeeded 
by Thomas Cunningham, who discharged 
the duties for many years. Capt. David ! 
Murray, grandtather of the late Col. llobert 
Murray, was one of tlie leading men of the 
town in his day and generation. In 1787 he ' 
was chosen a delegate to the famous Massa. 
chusetts Convention, which met in Boston ' 
in 1788, tor the purpose of determining 
whether Massachusetts would ratify and ap- j 
prove tlie Feileral Constitution which had 
been framed a short time before by the Fed- 
eral Convention at Philadelphia. That im. 
liortant instrument was ratified by Massa- 
eiiusetts, but not without great paiui-taking 
and siirewd numagement on the part of its : 
friends, receiving but nineteen majority in a \ 
body composed of tlu-ee hundred and fifty- ' 
five members, and only then, with an ac- 
companying recommendation to the other 
States that certain amendments should be 
added, which in due time was accomplished. 

The town meeting which selected Capt. 
Murray a delegate, also voted against the 
Constitution as it then stood, anil he was in- 
structed to vote against it, unless it could be 
amended. Notwithstanding the convention 
recommendied amendments, he voted against 
it, which subjected him to some criticism. 

During the period to which our attention 
is directed, as well as before and for many 
years subsequent, it was made obligatory 
upon the towns to provide through taxation 
of their citizens, for die stated preaching of 
the gospel, and it will be perceived from a 
perusal of the record, that this important 
subject attracted much of the attention of 
the people and occupied much of the time of 
their town meetings. The first meeting-house 
probably a rough affair, was located on the 
Sheepscot side. The next, erected in 1765, 
was started on a plan of 40x30 feet with 11 



feet studding, and was built in the pasture of 
Kenelum Winslow, now belonging to Capt. 
Farley Hopkins, on the hill just north of the 
residence of Mr. Thaddeus Weeks, and wes- 
terly of the Barstow house wiiere John Cusic 
resides. It stood near the highway. The 
acre of land on which it was built was also 
used for a burying ground and also for nnli- 
tary exercises, and notwithstanding the sa- 
credness of the spot, under tlie influence of 
military zeal, or Autigua rum, or both, was 
the scene of frequeui; contests, sometimes 
resulting in fisticuffs, to determine who was 
the best man physically. 

The town meetings were more often held 
at the meeting house at Sheepscot, but when 
held on the' easterly side, after the erection 
of the meeting-house on Winslow's hill, were 
assembled there. The house was abandon- 
ed in 179G and removed to a spot near where 
Mr. Artell Hall resides, where it was used 
as a barn; from there it was removed to near 
the Myrick tavern : and some dozen years 
afterwards removed back again apd used as 
a barn, but finally went the way of old di- 
lapidated buildings. The erection of houses 
for public worship and the hiring of clergy- 
men, were fruitful subjects for discussion. 

The erection of the meeting-house in 1795 
appears to have answered the public wants 
for many years, its location being central 
and accomodating the majority of the fami- 
lies, who at that time belongeil to one relig- 
ious denominatit)n. After serving its pur- 
pose as a meeting-hoiise, it was reduced to 
one story and converted into a town house, 
for which purpose it is now used. In 1797 
the Rev. Kiah Bayley, a native of Newbury- 
port, and, like Mr. Woodbridge, a Harvard 
graduate, received a call from the town, af- 
ter preaching on trial, and was settled for 
life, as was the custom in those times. He 
was a man of ability, but straight-laced in 
his opinions and severe in discipline. He 
exercised much influence, as did most of his 
profession at that time similarly settled. 

It has been claimed for him, that he was 
as instrumental as anyone in the establish- 
ment of the Bangor Theological Seminary, 
and it is sometimes related as an instance of 
his zeal in behalf of that institution, that he 



induced a very worthy citizen of the town of 
Boothbay, to make his will in favor of it. 
Dying some years after the will was made, 
and before his wife, it was found that slie 
would be left without sufficient means of 
support, if its provisions were carried out. 
Herfriends presented fictitious claims against 
the estate, sufficient to sweep it, of which she 
received the benefit, the Seminary coming 
out minus. Mr. Bayley according to the 
fashion of those days, looked sharply after 
the affairs of his people, temporal as well 
as spiritual. It has already been remarked 
that he preached against dancing. He con- 
sidered it his duty also to preach upon polit- 
ical subjects, being himself a decided Feder- 
alist. Alter the declaration of war against 
Great Britain in 1812, on the occasion of a 
Fast Day, re commended by President Mad- 
ison, lie preached a rousing sermon in two 
parts, covering the forenoon and afternoon 
services. It was an able presentation of his 
side of the question, but gave considerable 
offence to those who differed from him in 
opinion. It was printed at Hallowell, and 
copies are probably now extant among some 
of the older families in Newcastle. 

He has credited to him the appointment 
of a'religious meeting on a week day, which 
would unavoidably interfere with a politi- 
cal meeting with which he did not sympa- 
thize. Occupying an important post, living 
at an exciting period, when the religious and 
political world was vibrating as to opinions 
and policy, it is not to be wondered at that 
while he dealt heavy blows right and left, he 
subjected himself to a fierce opposition. But 
then, as now, time worked its fhanges. Mr. 
Bayley had his day of influence and useful- 
ness ; the time had arrived when it was bet- 
ter for both sides that the connection between 
himself and the town should be dissolved, 
which was effected in 1824, the latter paying 
him such a sum as was agreed upon by him- 



released it from any further obligations. He 
had acquired considerable property, which 
his enemies said was an evidence of his 
worldliness, an objection frequently urged 
againsl him. He removed to Vermont where 



he passed the remainder ot his life, attaininf; 
to great age. He did not lose his interest in 
his former church and society. Being an 
ardent Abolitionist, through his correspon- 
dence he kept those who sympathized with 
him in opinion on the important subject of 
slavery, well warmed up on the squestion. 

One who now hears me, recollects that on 
the occasion of a political meeting at Sheep- 
scot in 1844, when it was discovered that 
Parson Bayley, througli his letters to his old 
friends, was detaching some of the faitliful 
from their usual political associations, Capt. 

T L— , a leading, but plain-spoken 

citizen, exclaimed: "Well, Mr. Bayley al- 
ways was an old Britisher!" The connec- 
tion of Newcastle as a corporation, with re- 
ligious affairs, was dissolved, when ijs con- 
tract witii Mr. Bayley was cancelled by mu. 
tual consent. Tlie Rev. JotRam Sewall Jr. 
succeeded him as pastoi of the churcli, over 
which the former had presided for nearly 
thirty years. Mr. Sewall's society soon erected 
two meeting-houses, one at Sheepscot, now 
standing on Garrison hill, the other near 
the Doctor Myrick place, which is now Mr. 
Wyman's furniture warehouse, having been 
removed in 1849 after the erection of the 
brick edifice, a short time prior to which, 
the church organization itself was divided, 
making the 1st and 2nd Congregational 
churches. During the last 30 years the 
Methodist and Baptist denominations have 
largely increa-<ed in town. 

About one hundred years ago, the youth 
of the town obtained their education, aside 
from what they received from the families, 
from some teacher hired by the town, and 
for the whole town. He probably went into 
the different neighborhot)ds. The first im- 
provement upon this, was a teacher for the 
west side and another for the east. These 
facts with reference to educational facilities, 
indicate the great advance which has been 



self and a committee of its citizens, and he peached in our day, as compared witli tlie 



latter part of tiie last century. 

Among the citizens residing on the easter- 
ly side of the town, about the time of the 
troubles which culminated in the Revolu- 
tionary war, were tlie Littles before mention- 



10 I 



ed, Tobias Glidden, Benjaiiaii. Bavstow, Sol- 
omon Dunbar, Nathanifl Bryant, the first of 
tliat name, KobtM't llobinson. Major John 
Fark^y, Christopher lioplcins, Joseph Glid- 
den, the Taylors, Ilusseys, Winslows, 
Joneses, Teagues and many others. 

The towns bordering upon the Damaris 
cotta liiver, were originally well wooded, 
particLilaily Newcastle. Tliere was an abun- 
dance of white and red oak, as well as other 
varieties ot hard woods. The wliite pine 
was found in equal, probably in greater pro- 
portions. It is safe to say that if the town 
of Newcastle was as well wooded to-day as 
100 3'ears since, the aggregate value of the 
property of her people would be double what 
it now is. But in all ages the forest gives 
way as population increases, and there is an 
iucreased cultivation of the soil. There has 
however, always been in new countries, a 
shan eful waste of forest trees. Tiie people 
of this country are beginning to realize this 
fact, and before many years elapse, will find 
it necessary to replenish by seeding or 
transplanting. The heayy growth of oak 
and other timber previously in this region) 
were, it is understood, the principal induce- 
luents for the ancestors of our shipbuilding 
families to migrate hitlier, some before, and 
others after the Jlevolutionary War. 

The Bryants, Woodwards, Stetsons and 
Barstows, all from the South sliore. The 
Days from Ipswich. The Gliddens and 
Ilitchcocks from New Hampshire. Tliese 
families with many others of a later date, in 
the same line of business, have contributed 
very much to make our village and the two 
towns what they are. 

Nathaniel Bryant tlie 1st, came her^ be- 
fore the Revolution and settled upon the 
farm where William H. Robinson resides, 
where he erected buildings and built a wharf 
the remains of which are now to be seen. 
lie died i.i 1772. The present Nathaniel 
Bryant, is of the fourth generation, with the 
same christian name. Nathaniel Bryant 
the 2d, commenced his business career at 
the farm left by his father, removing after- 
wards to the Mills village, and to the head 
of Damariscotta pond. . 



Benjamin Barstow, like the first Bryant, 
was a ship carpenter. He resided on the farm 
where Mr. Alden B. Wliite now resides. He 
was the father of Col. George Barstow, who 
built the house next north of the residence 
of Mr. Thaddeus Weeks. Col. Barstow 
built a good many vessels for Salem mer- 
chants, in what is now Bryant's brick-yard. 

Joseph Glidden, the ancestor of the nu- 
merous and enterprising Glidden family, and 
grandfather of the late Col. John Glidden, 
came here from New Hampshire, as early as 
1750. His name appears in the town records 
of Newcastle soon after that time. He pur- 
chased what used to be known as the Glid- 
den farm, containing one of the best tracts 
in town, embracing the mountain north of 
the Academy, and extending northeasterly 
over what is now Glidden street and the 
farm occupied by Dea. Charles Metcalf. 

Early in this century, vessels were built 
on the Glidden farm, about seventy-five rods 
northeasterly from Mr. Metcalf's house, by 
some of the Glidden family. When ship 
building revived in 1821, as the county re- 
covered from the effects of the war of 1812, 
and other unfavorable causes, Col. John 
Glidden, known personaly to many of you, 
entered upon his long career as a ship build- 
er, which gave a reputation to this river. 
Others of similar enterprise, soon after en- 
gaged in the same pursuit. Those were the 
palmy days of cotton cfirrying out of which 
were laid the foundation of many of the best 
fortunes in Maine. It is not proposed in 
this sketch to dwell particularly upon the 
men or events connected with the history of 
these towns, which belong to the present 
time. They are familiar to all. There is 
enough of interest connected with the past 
and but little known to the present genera- 
tion. 

Among the prominent citizens of seventy- 
five years ago, was Col. Paul Dodge, who 
^served under Washington, in the war of the 
Revolution. He came here from Hamilton, 
Massachusetts, after peace, and reared a 
large family. Kenelum Winslow and his 
brothers once owned the Barstow farm and 
the farm next south of it, upon which Major 



[11 ] 



John Farley, resided. Winslow command- 
ed the garrison, wliich stood just above and 
westerly of the ancient burying ground in 
Mr. Weeks field, near the house of Mr. 
Francis. 1 man by tlie name of Kackliffe, 
resided in the neighborhood and was fre- 
quently witii Winslow at the garrison. 

On one occasion, when they were absent 
and only three wonjen in charge (one of 
them Mrs. Winslow a womon of nerve,) 
the Indians made their appearance and com- 
menced an attack. In order to make the 
Indians tiiink the garrison was not destitute 
of men, Mrs. Winslow would exclaim, 
"courage Kenelum fire away Rackliffe." 

Among the revolutionary soldiers was 
Ca.pt. Ephraim Taylor. He was made of 
the true blue fighting material. He enlisted 
at the age of 17 years, served through the 
entire war, being the first man, it is said, 
from the district of Maine, who was made 
an Ensign and carried a flag. He was at 
We^t Point at the execution of Major John 
Andre, Adjutant General of the Biitish 
Army, arrested as a spy within the Ameri'^an 
lines. 

Major John Farley of English descent, 
was an active man in town and State afl:airs. 
He was a tanner by trade, and a son of 
Gen. Michael Farley, of Ipswich, Mass., 
also a tanner. His wife, was Sarah Dennis 
of Ipswich, a sister of David Dennis, of 
Nobleboro, who died in Oct. IS^S, aged 92 
Squire Dennis, as he was called, came here 
before his brothtr-in-law, who removed here 
from Ipsvrich in 1772 or 1773, and was 
probably attracted, by the prospect of 
cairying on iiis trade to advantage, there 
being no tanner in the neighborhood, and 
hemlock bark being abundant. He first 
lived in a small house, the cellar of which 
is still very distinct on the side of tlie hill 
near the wall and directly west of the house 
occupied by Mr. John McMicliael. 

In 1780 he built the house in which Mrs. 
TurnbuU resides, which is one of the oldest 
in town, beiag 96 years old. Major Farley, 
was of fine personal appearance, pleasant 
manners, and a social, kind hearted-man. 
He lived well, kept open iiouse and never 



denied a poor man in need of the leather he 
manufactured. He was a Liberal in religion 
and politics. His traits of character and 
habits of life, made him a popular man, and 
the frequency with which he held oflSce, 
would indicate that it was agreeable to him. 
He was town treasurer, thirty out of the forty 
years he lived in Newcastle. He was twice 
chosen county treasurer and fourteen times 
elected a representative to the Legislature 
of Massachusetts. He served in the State 
senate. He was elected a Presidential elec- 
tor in 1804 when Massachusetts voted for 
Tl omas Jefferson. He was appointed by 
the war department, to superintend the 
erection of the fort, on Narrow's Island, 
.near the mouth of the Damariscotta river 
in 1804. He was the first Postmaster in 
Newcastle, appointed for the east side of the 
town, keeping the office at his house, the 
travel at that time passing that way. He 
continued Postmaster until his death in 
1812, when Mr. John Glidden, the father of 
Capt. William T. Glidden was apppinted. 
He wasinLovell and Wadswortlis expedition 
in 1779, for the capture of Castine (then 
called Bygaduce) the forces from Lincoln 
county, embarking at Boothbay. It is 
probable, that he was in Col. Cargill's regi- 
ment, who on that or some other occasion, 

said he meant to have that d Farley, 

cashiered. A Fourth of July Toast, written 
upon a blank leaf of Major Farley's ledger, 
will answer for this or any similar day. It 
was as follows: "Tight shoes, poor 
stomachs and empty pockets to the enemies 
of our republican institutions." Mr- 
Nathaniel Webb, of Boston, came to New- 
castle shortly after the llevolutionary war, 
through all of which he served. He was 
father of Mr. Ebenezer Webb who was born 
in 1789, and died last year aged 8G years. 
He was grandfather of the Kev. Dr. Webl) 
of Boston. 

James Jvavanagh and Mathew Cottrill, 
leaving Ireland poor boys, landed first at 
New Foundland ; they next proceeded to 
Boston ; thence to Round Pond in Bristol 
and from thence to this village, on the 
Damariscotta side about the vear 1791, 



[12 ] 



building up a tliriving export trade and 
and accumulating property. In a tew years 
Mr. Kavanagli, who was the father of the 
Governor Kavanagli, removed to the Mills 
village where in 1803 he erected the man- 
sion now occupied by Miss Winnefred 
Kavanagh, which is much admired as a fine 
specimen of house architecture. It archi- 
tect was one Nicholas Cod an Englishman. 

The Cottrill manson, now owned by Capt. 
Lawrence, was built in 1807. Kavanagli 
and Cottrill being Catholics, they became 
the nucleus for the formation of the Catholic 
society, which worships at St. Patricks 
chapel at the Mills village, which was erect- 
ed in 180G, and dedecated by Bishop, after- 
wards Cardinal Chevereux. It was the first, 
or among the first Catholic churches estab" 
lished in Maine. Bishop Chevereux's 
missionary ground embraced the whole of 
New England. It was tiirougli his exertions 
that tiie Cathedral which formerly stood in 
Franklin St. Boston was erected, and in 
that city he was highly respected by all 
classes of people. 

An exceedingly interesting sketch of 
Bishop Chevereux, from the pen of the late 
John H. Sheppard was published in the 
Seaside Oracle, about two years since. 
Visiting a friend in New York, just prior to 
embarking the last time for England, point- 
ing to his small hand liag of clothes, he re- 
marked that it contained all his worldly 
I)ossesions. 

The tavern house kept by Doctor Josiah 
Myrick, the first years in the century was 
a noted head quarter for travelers, who 
appreciated good fare and a good bed. In 
its best days, no establishment about here 
was kept in better condition. The old 
Damariscotta toll bridge deserves a slight 
notice on this centennial occasion. It was 
with difficulty the means could be obtained 
to bridge the river at this vilage. In those 
days the bridging of important streams was 
left to individual enterprise through acts nf in- 
corporation, granting the power to build and 
conferring the right to take toll. Population 
being scattered towns did not feel able to 
make such improvements, and they were 



left to the public spirit of individuals in the 
locality especially interested. Under an 
act of the Massachusetts legislature of 
March 10th 1797, John Farley, Waterman 
Thomas, William McCobb, James Kav- 
anagh and Mathew Cottrill, with their as- 
sociates were empowered to erect a bridge 
over the Damariscotta river. They succeed- 
ed in accomplishing it and the bridge was 
opened tor travel, probably in 1801. It was 
an event of almost as much importance to 
those then upon tiie stage of action, as the 
opening of the Knox & Lincoln railroad was 
to their descendants. It was an excuse fbr 
a good time. A procession was formed 
which marched to the music of a fife and 
drum to the Myrick tavern, whether to get 
"something to take," according to tlie 
fashion of that day does not satisfactorily 
appear, but it is not uncharitable to suppose 
that such was the object. The proprietors 
of the bridge paid for the fifeing. An old 
treasurer's book contains the charge of, 
"paid Kinsley Jones, six shillings for his 
son fifeing at the opening of the bridge." 
The increase of population and of business 
warranting a free bridge, in 1851 the old 
structure gave way to another which in its 
turn, has been replaced by the one which 
now connects the two villages. 

The Lincoln Academy, the name by which 
it is designated in its charter, is almost an 
institution of the town of Newcastle, al- 
though when chartered it was, as its name 
indicates, intended to provide the advanta- 
ges of an academical education for the whole 
county of Lincoln, then five times as large 
as it now is, there being perhaps at that 
time no otlier within its limits. The Board 
of Trustees named in its charter included 
citizens representing eight towns, among 
them Gen. Knox of Thomaston and Moses 
Carleton of New Milford, now Alna 

It was granted by tiie Massacliusett Legis- 
lature of 1801, of which Major Farley was a 
member. The 8th section of its charter 
provided "That it the said Trustees of the 
said Academy shall, within three years of 
the passing of this Act, furnish evidence to 
this court, that tSSSJJs^ are secured to the use 



'^"'^^^^vv.C^ 



13 ] 



of said Academy by private donation or other- 
wise, to tlie amount of tliree iliousand dol- 
lars, tiie said Trustees, siiall then be entitled 
to a grant of half a township of land, from 
this Commonwealth, for the use and support 
of said Academy." It appears thattlie three 
thousand dollars was received by private 
subscription, in quite a number of towns in 
this part of the County of Lincoln. An 
acadeujy building was erected near the 
dwelliBg house of tlie lafb,, Richard Bailey, 
at tlie turn of the road, which then led 
towards Wiscasset. The grant of iialfa 
township of land was then made by llie leg- 
islature, for which, soon afterwards, ' was 
substituted in lieu thereof, the grant of what 
was called the "gore," situate between the 
Plymouth and Waldo patents, embracing 
quite a portion of the territories ot wiiat now 
constitutes tiie towns of VVashingtcm and 
Somerville. 

Parson Bayley had a good deal to do with 
tiie organization of the institution and its 
subsequent management so long as lie re- 
mained in Newcastle, but not alwa^'s to its 
advantage. He resided at the time in tlie 
iiouse now occupied by Dea. John Glidden, 
and was anxious that its Academy building 
should be located where it was first erected, 
so as to be under his immediate supervision. 
Major Farley tliought it should be on the 
Winslow hill where the meeting-house stood, 
wliich had been removed as before mention- 
ed, considering it a more eligible site, being 
nearer tiie village, which was beginning to 
start into life, under the influence of traflSc 
and ship-building. Mr. Bayley carried his 
point in that instance. 

Unfortunately, the first secretary's books 
containing a record of the meetings of tlie 
trustees and another volume which contain- 
ed the names of the earlier students, were 
lost in the great fire which nearly destroyed 
this village in 184:5. It is believed that the 
Academy building was first opened in 1803, 
and in that the school was continued with 
varied success, until 1829, when the present ' 
Academy building, just then completed, was 
substituted, the first having been destroyed 
by fire in tlie winter of 1828. Tiie older ' 



portion of liie present building ws.s paid for 
out of piivate subscriptions which were lib- 
erally made, .mainly by citizens of Newcas- 
tle, Damariscotta and Bristol. This mode 
of securijig the new building was adopted so 
as not to impair tlie funds of the institution 
for maintaining the school. The present 
Academy was located where it stands, to ac- 
commodate the population as it was tiien sit- 
uated, Damariscdtta Mills at that time being 
almost equal to this village in numbers and 
business, besides furnishing a good many 
scholars. 

There are some wliom I address whose ed- 
ucation was obtained, in part at least, at the 
first Academy building and many more who 
are familiar witli the present. Out of the 
wiiole number of students who liave gradua- 
ted at tlie Lincoln Academy, and tliey art- 
reckoned by thousands, she has rej.resenta- 
tives in every part of the country and in all 
pursuits of lite. The lands comprising tlie 
Gore were sold as rapidly as practicable, and 
after the retirement of Mr. Bayley, who was 
treasurer, as well as secretary of the trus- 
tees for many years, the policy of convert- 
ing the proceeds into interest paying securi- 
ties was adopted. He was succeeded as 
treasurer by Mr. Ebenezer Farley, by whom 
tiie larger portion of the lands were dispos- 
ed of and tlic proceeds funded. He was suc- 
ceeded in tlie same office by Mr. Ebenezer 
D. Robinson, one of the most substantial and 
useful citizens Newcastle has ever had. Mr. 
Joseph Haines is its present treasurer, dis- 
charging his duties witli intelligence and 
scrupulous fidelity. 

The following is thouglit to he a reliable 
list of the preceptors or principals of the 
Academy, in the order of their service, with 
such information as is obtainable concerning 
them : 

1. Daniel Haskell. 

2. Nathan Sidney Smith Beeman, a 
Doctor of lYi-' inity. 

?j. Harvey Talcot. 

4. Edward Hollister. 

5. Fiske, afterwar s a college pro- 
fessor in Connecticut. 

6. Daniel Morton. 

7. Elijah Jones. 



14 



8. Samuel G. Clapp. 

9. Bradecn. 

10. Freeman Bradford.. Deceased. 
II- Augustus F. Lash. Deceased. 

12. Jauics Drummond, a distinguished 
clergyman. Deceased. , 

13. Joseph T. Huston, 

14. Stephen H. Hayes, a clergyman in 
Massachusetts. 

1(). Benjamin F. Mitcliell, liead of a col- 
lege in Tennessee. 

17. A. B. Wiggin, principal of a high 
school, Westchester Co., N Y. 

18. G. Snow Newcomb, resides in Msss. 

19. Henry M. Pierce, LL. D., recently 
president of Rutgers Female Institute, N. 
Y. City. 

20 Larkin Dunton, master of Girls Nor- 
mal School. Boston. 

21. Charles L. Nichols. 

22. A. P. Whittemore. 

23. J. Manchester Haynes, engaged in 
business at Augusta, Me. 

14. Granville M. Thurlow, last but not 
least. 

Preceptress of Female Department, Miss 
Anna D. Reed, of Taunton, Mass., from 
184G to 1852. 

Assistant lady teachers : 

1. Miss C. A. Stockbridge. Married. 
Resides in Michigan. 

2. Miss Lucy Wells. 

8. Miss Anna O. Gliddcn. Deceased. 

4. Miss Mary Page. 

5. Miss Nellie L. Goodenow. Married. 
Resides in Boston. 

6. Miss Emily 1). Thurlow. Deceased. 

7. Miss Amanda Weeks, Daniariscotta, 
now Mrs. Bryant. 

8. Miss Ada Webb. 

9. Miss Mary E. Hilton. 

10. Miss Emma A. Cook. 

11. Miss E. O. Pratt, Fairfield, Me. 

12. Miss Mary P. Chapman, Newcastle. 

Normal Department in 18(i0, in pursu- 
ance of act of legislature, Cornelius Walker, 
Boston, deceased. 

But little is known of tlie preceptors com- 
prising the first nine, and down to the acces- 
sion of Mr. Bradford. The tradition as to 
Mr. Beeman, the second on tne list, is that 
he was a young man of ability, with plenty 
of temper and high-toned in his religion and 
politics. He was injudicious in the inflic. 
tion of punisliment upon a promising young 
lady of the school, a daughter of one of the 
Newcastle citizens of Scotch-Irish descent, 
from whom he barely escaped a caning. Dr. 



Beeman became eminent as a divine, and 
was settled in a large town in the State of 
New York. He early preached anti-slavery 
sermons and it is recollected that some of 
the newspapers retorted by reminding him 
that he had married a southern lady whose 
property was in slaves of which he was hav- 
ing the benefit. 

Others of the early preceptors have un- 
doubtedly passed the bourne, whence no 
traveller rcturn.s^Vnhile the career of many 
of the others who are living is known to 
most of yon, it is fitting that Mr. Thurlow, 
who now has charge of the instution should 
not be dismissed from your attention, by 
j simply an allusion to his name, but, that 
one and all we should concede to him the 
distinction of being the most successful of 
all its preceptors, and tender to him our 
earnest hopes, that he may sustain in the 
future, so long as he continues a teacher, 
tlie reputation he now enjoys. Mr. Thur- 
low took ciiarge of the Academy at its 
Spring term in 1863, with only 39 scholars ; 
since then the average per term has been 
not far from 82 scholars. The Academy 
building and grounds were much etdargcd 
in 18G(!, and tlie school now ranks among 
the first of its class, in the State of Maine. 
Owing to tlie establishment of High schools 
in some of tlie larger towns during the past 
25 years, the supply of scholars is princi- 
pally from this vicinity, and citizens of 
Newcastle and Damariscotta, may congratu- 
late themselves, that they have the facilities 
of a good school in their midst, in which 
their children may obtain a good education 
without the risk and expense attendant upon 
sending them from home. 

The future success of "The Lincoln 
Academy," dejiends, firstly, upon the main- 
tenance of its funded property, as it cannot 
secure efficient teachers without an income; 
and secondly, in obtaining such, whatever 
their qualifications may be, whose purpose 
is to make teaching a profession. If I have 
dwplt too longupon "The Lincoln Academy' 
my apology is, the important relations it 
holds to tlie community, and the opportun- 
ity presented ^'or offering the costless tribute 



I 15 



of simple justice, to some of the earlier 
trustees, who carefully guarded its property 
and devoted their best energies to its suc- 
cess. 

The original book of record of Newcastle 
to which allusion has been made, is wonder- 
fully well preserved, but it will not always 
last and remain legible; Jand as a matter of 
town pride, it would seem some means 
should be promptly taken, to transfer this 
valuable information into printed, or other 
form, where there would be less danger of 
its becoming extinct. 

You have a town the soil of which has 
been occupied for more than two and a 
quarter centuries with a well kept record of 
nearly one hundred and twenty-five years. 
I can not to-day do your history even a 
shadow of justice, but I can recommend to 
the people of so noble an ancestry, with a 
record so illustrious, that they see to it that 
their history be prepared by some careful, 
well informed mind, ere it shall be too late 
to record even what now may be known. 
There are many circumstances, as well as 
individuals of the present time highly worthy 
of mention, but our purpose is to leave both 
untouched from want of time. 

The story of Damariscotta as a town, is 
much more easily told. Orignally a part of 
Nobleboro and Bristol, it was inooporated 
July 26, 1847, the first meeting for choice 
of officers being held, March 15th, 1848, 
when D. R. Clapp was chosen clerk ; David 
(^ vv-,^ Dennis, Dand - T . Weeks, and Joseph T. 
Huston, Selectmen and Joshua Hilton, 
Treasurer. 

The commencement of the occupation of 
the soil is parallel with, that of Newcastle. 
It was, as already stated a part of the Pem- 
aquid precinct, and contained in the pur- 
chase made by John Brown of New Harbor, 
from the Indian Samoset, July 15, 1^25, 
probably the first conveyance of land ever 
made by an Indian to a white man. The 
price paid by Brown for what comprises 
Bristol and Damariscotta, was fifty beavers 
skins. The deed was recorded nearly one 
hundred years later, at Charlestown, Mass. 

The first settlers of whom we have an 



(p 



account, were John Brown, son of the man 
of the same name at New Harbor, who 
lived not fnv from wliere this buikling 
stands, and Robert Scott who lived on tlie 
east side of the river, opposite the oyster 
banks. 

They settled contemporaneously witli Tay- 
lor and Phillips, on the otlier side of tlie 
river, and were driven awa^ by tlie Indians 
at the same time. What we have shown in 
relation to the fluctuations, of prosperity 
and hardships in Newcastle, were true of 
the inliabitants on this side as well. Sept. 
'Jtli, 1C97 was fought the battle of Damaris- 
cotta, a sanguinary and bloody conflict, be- 
tween the troops of Major March -and the 
Indians. It was probably fou^^'ht between 
Hall's point and McClurc's landing, and 
was the closing scene in King William's 
war. 

In 1722 tlie Huston family at Walpole was 
destroyed. The mother and daughter were 
slain, and the father carried away into cap- 
tivity. This was at the same time that Mrs. 
Gray and children, and Dr. Winslow were 
killed. During the first hundred years, 
this region was three times occupied and 
three times depopulated, so that in 1727 *t 
is said, between the Kennebec and St. 
George rivers, there were not more tlian 
one hundred and fifty families. 

In 1729 a re-settlement of the country be- 
gan, George the Second being upon the 
throne of England, sent out that most ex- 



/I 



cellent soldier and accomplished officer, 'J 

Col. ^^jmiet— Dunbar, with a commission ^s^*^ 
from tlie Crown of England, as Surveyor 
General of the Kings woods, and Governor 
ol Sagadahoc. Making iiis liead quarters at 
Pemaquid, Col. D. with great skill and 
much credit set himself to work to bring 
about a reoccupancy of the country, and to 
restore the waste places. It is exceedingly 
difficult to fix the date when the permanent 
settlement began, but we have good reason 
to believe it wa,s when Dunbar took com- 
mand. 

One of the very first permanent settlers, 
whose descendants now live in town, was 
Mr. Anthony Chapman, who built a log 



[ 16 



iiouf^e wlicrc Mrs. Samuel Metcalf now lives 
He afterwards built a house, and lived upon 
the farm now owned by Mr. ,Ducan Chap- 
man, and finally went to Back Meadow, and 
settled where Mr. John Sanl)()rn resided, 
wiiere lie took up a large tract of land which 
was occuhied lati-r hy hi< sons. Four 
nephews of Mr. CJhapman, John, Israel, 
Johnathan and Nathaniel Cliapnian, came 
here some time afterwards. Nathaniel 
bought a tract of land of a Mr. Moulton, 
which Moulton liad purchased of John 
Brown. His land comprised the principle 
site of the pre.sent village. He built the 
Tilden Hall house in IZo-i, which he afiei- 
wards sold to his brother Israel, and built 
the house long occupied by his son Israel, 
and now owned by Mr. John Moody. The 
Mrs. Rufus Miller house built by Mr. 
Church, the Reuben Chapman house built 
by Natlianiel Chapman* brother John, and 
the old C impbell house built by Mr. Stej^ien 
Hodgdon, are alt more than one hundred 
years old. 

Mr. Benjamin Day settled south of 
Nathaniel Chapman, and Stephen Hodgdon 
on the north side of his land, the three then 
owning .all the territory in, above and below 
the present village. Soon after we find the 
names, Huston, Hussey, Jones, Miller, 
Church, Woodward, Cox, Hiscock and 
Knowlton appearing in town affairs. 

In the Revolutioaary war the inhabitants 
took an active part, and among the soldiers 
we find the names of Knowlton, Chamber- 
lain, Day, Chapman (sevral), Huston, 
Hiscock, Church, AVoodward, Cripps, 
Hodgdon, Miller, &c. 

Col. William Jones and his son Robert, 
were also soldiers at that time. The former 
was also a representative several times to 
the Massachusetts legislature, being a 
member in 1788 when the question of ratify- 
ing the federal constitution was acted upon, 
and he like many others felt it his duty to 
vote against it as it then stood. In 1812 
Col. Robert Day and Capt. Richard Hiscock 
were active soldiers as well as many others 
of this section. There was a company in 
this village of men not subject to military 



duty, of which Mathew Cottrill was Captain, 
Nathaniel Bryant, Lieutenant, and James 
Kavanagh ensign. 

A mong the pioneers in ship building the 
great and prominent business of this region, 
was Samuel Woodward, who built upon the 
shore of the farm ol the late Capt. John 
Woodward, Mr. Jones at the shore of the 
Jones farm, Mr. Church whose ship-yard 
was where the tannery of Mr. James Hussey 
now stands. 

Abner Stetson,- father of the present Hon. 
Abner Stetson who built at shore of the 
Stetson farm. Abner Stetson the 1st and 
William Metcalf, father of the Ii«n. B. D. 
Metcalf both came from Massachusetts in 
about 1790. Two families came from Eng- 
land to Massachusetts, one named Day the 
other Knight. Of this family was the 
Benjamin l)ay who settled south of Nathan- 
iel Chapman. His wife was a daughter of 
the original Mr. Knight, thus Day and [K] 
night were reunited. Hon. B. D. Metcalf's 
mother was a child of the union. Mr. 
Daniel Hiscock built vessels on the shore 
of the farm now owned by the present 
Daniel Hitchcock, and further northward 
Benjamin Plummer also carried on the same 
business. 

Later and among those who have deceased 
who followed this industry, were Joseph and 
Daniel Day, Col. Cyrus Cotter, and more 
recently J. G. Huston, Col. William Hitch- 
cock, John Campbell, Natlianiel Clapp and 
Elbridge Norris, all of whom., were worthy 
respected citizens and did much for the 
town in which they lived. We have with us 
to-day several who have long and success- • 
fully followed, this branch of business. 
Among them Hon. Abner Stetson, Hon. B. 
D. Metcalf, Nathaniel Austin, D. W. Chap- 
man, T. J. Merrill, Joel Huston, C. G. 
M^rry on this side of the river, anil Major 
Edwin Flye, Mr. A. S. Austin, Alexander 
Teague, Austin Hall, Capt. Addison Austin 
Eben Haggett, upon the Newcastle side, be- 
sides many others who have more recently 
taken up thebusiness. Our highly esteemed 
citizen of Newcastle, Mr. George W. Tukey, 
who, to-day lies at the point of death, was 



17 



as you well know for many years an active 
member of the firm of William Hitchcock 
& Co. ship builders. 

Following Kavanagh and Cottrill, in 
mercantile pursuits, were Mr. Stephen 
CoflBia, who came liere Irom Buxton, Me., 
Col. Joel Howe from who did an ex- 

tensive business for years, Mr. Jennings 
and several others. Col. Jacob Harring- 
ton, Theron Harrmgton's fatiier, for many 
years carried on the business of hat manu- 
facturing. He was a highly respected citizen. 
Mr. Daniel T. Weeks kindly remembered 
and highly respected by us all, was for many 
years successfully engaged in tlie harness 
and -livery business. Another profession, 
that of sliip master, has been followed by a 
large number of our citizens on both sides 
tlie river, many of whom have been dis- 
tinguished and successful. 

Ttie Methodist church was organized in 
1838, and the old meeting house built near 
Abner Stetson's former residence, where it 
stood until 1842, when it was moved to the 
site of the present church. In 1853 the 
new Methodist house was erected. The 
Baptist clmrch was organized in 1819, and 
the present meeting house built in 1841. 
Botii these churches have an exceedingly 
interesting record. Like Newcastle you 
have a history w'orth perpetuating, but it 
cannot be placed l)efore you in a few short 
minutes. Damariscotta was the name given 
to the reigon on botli sides the river, by tlie 
Indians, and means, "A place of many 
fishes," or "A place where little fishes go." 
It has an unwritten history. It presents to 
us features and suppositions proving oc- 
cupancy of which even tradition gives us no 
satisfactory account. Probably we are not 
only inhabitants of a soil, which was 
occupied at the beginning of a white settle- 
ment, in the conmicncement of tlie seven- 
teenth century, but around and above this 
territory cluster signs, which have caused 
the wisest explorers and liistorians to 
wonder at what they beheld. 

How little we know of the past ages, that 
have swept over this continent. From our 
ancestors as well as the record we are ac- 



quainted with, that race of beings that our 
forefathers found here, the race which is 
now driven ahuost to the going down of the 
sun. The race whose savage natures made 
this region once to resound with the war- 
hoop, mingled with the groans and shrieks ' 
of innocent women and helpless children, 
that race which delighted in the lurid flames 
of burning dwellings, ard received chief 
satisfaction from brutal treatment ot a 
superior manhood, that race which clung so 
tenaciously to the soil we now occupy, and 
to obtain which cost the pioneer generations 
of hardship, toil and suffering; but wiiat 
know we of the people who occupied this 
land before the red man? Beyond them all 
is mist, and we have not the vision with 
which to penetrate that period. But the 
mind will wonder nevertheless, and imagin- 
ation will soar, and so we let them bask in 
tlie enchanting supposition, that long before 
the Indians, a race of people occupied these 
lands, a people who were acquainted with 
letters, a people who were highly cultivated 
and civilized, a people who were skilled in 
art and sciences, who had their churches, 
their school-houses, their ships, their work 
shops, their dwellings, a people who by 
their genius, enterprise and public spirit 
caused the water of your river which to-day 
flows with mighty power to no purpose what- 
ever, save to lull to sleep at noon day tlie 
surrounding inhabitants; to drive the wheels 
of vast machinery where if nothing else was 
accomplished, we trust what corn the resi- 
dents of this village consumed was ground, 
and not hauled to Damariscotta Mills as it 
is in this centennial year of 1870. 

What of tliat people? Who were they 
and from whence did they come? How long 
possessed they this country, and by wiiat 
scenes of war, massacre and blood shed 
were they swept away? This I hear you say, 
is but idle fancy and speculation, but who 
can say it is not a reality. There are many 
things told me in these days, which I find it 
much harder to believe, than that this land 
was in the ages beyond any traditional ac- 
coufit so occupied, and that this very locality 
or near here, as the seat of a magnificent 



\ 18 



om])ir('. 

Now my friends I will relieve your patience 
after a moment, in relation to the day we 
celebrate. American Independence was born 
^mc hundred years ago this very day. God 
grant it may stand one hundredyears hence, 
and that during- the next century our 
posterity may iiHprove where we have failed, 
be wise wliere we have lacked wisdom, just, 
where we have been exacting, peaceful, 
where we have been warlike, virtuous, where 
we havebeen sinful, generous, where we have 
been selfish, charitable, where we have been 
wanting in charity, and may the next one 
hundred years find this land a reunited, 
prosperous and happy people, loyal to God 
and their country, and every man striving 
to deal justly with his fellow beings. 

Finally if I have succeeded in impressing 



upon your minds the fact that you have a 
history worthy of being perpetuated, my 
whole purpose will have been accomplished. 
In these few moments, I certainly could not 
hope to do more. I have been greatly aided 
by reference to Sewall's, "Ancient Domin- 
ions of Maine," Johnston's "Bristol, Bremen 
and Pemaquid," and am under many obliga- 
tions tor valuable assistance from many 
citizens, among them Mr. Albert Gliilden, 
Mr. Duncan Chapman. Hon. B. D. Metcalf 
and most emphatically am I indebted to the 
Hon. E. W. Farley for all of which, my 
warmest thanks are tims publicly bestowed. 
May you all live long and prosper, and 
one hundred years from to-day may our 
descendants gatiier here, and reap the bless- 
ings of something we may have accomplisii- 
ed for good while upon the stage of life. 



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